Expressing support for the designation of February 4, 2026, as "National Cancer Prevention Day".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1037
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-04: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-30T21:22:12Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 1037) aims to express the U.S. House of Representatives' support for designating February 4, 2026, as "National Cancer Prevention Day." It highlights the importance of cancer prevention to improve human health, protect the environment, and support the economy, while recognizing cancer's widespread impact.
Key Provisions
- Background Clauses ("Whereas"):
- Emphasizes that cancer prevention reduces risks to health and the environment.
- Notes cancer as a leading global cause of death, affecting nearly everyone directly or indirectly.
- Cites 2026 estimates: 2,114,850 new cancer cases and 626,140 deaths in the U.S., including 9,680 diagnoses and 1,090 deaths in children ages 0-14.
- References the reignited Cancer Moonshot initiative, a national effort to reduce cancer death rates by 50% over the next 25 years through collaboration among Americans, companies, institutions, and organizations.
- Declares February 4, 2026, as a suitable date for the designation.
- Resolved Actions:
- Supports the designation of "National Cancer Prevention Day."
- Recognizes efforts to raise awareness and reduce cancer risks.
- Acknowledges cancer's devastating effects on families and calls for expanding knowledge, promoting early detection, and collaborating with medical and scientific communities to end the disease.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. This is a non-binding resolution, meaning it does not create, amend, or repeal any laws. It serves as a formal statement of congressional support rather than enforceable legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: May increase public awareness of cancer prevention, encourage healthier lifestyles, and promote early detection, potentially leading to indirect health benefits for individuals and families affected by cancer.
- On Government Agencies: Could inspire federal agencies (e.g., those involved in public health like the Department of Health and Human Services) to highlight prevention efforts, but imposes no mandates or funding requirements.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it aligns with global health goals by addressing cancer as a worldwide issue.
- Overall, the resolution's symbolic nature limits tangible changes but could foster broader societal and collaborative initiatives like the Cancer Moonshot.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Individuals and Families: Cancer patients, survivors, and those at risk, who may benefit from heightened awareness and prevention focus.
- Medical and Scientific Communities: Doctors, researchers, and organizations working on cancer treatment and prevention, encouraged to expand efforts.
- General Public: All Americans, as it promotes education on reducing cancer risks through lifestyle and environmental measures.
- Government and Institutions: The House of Representatives (which introduced and referred it to the Committee on Energy and Commerce), companies, and nonprofits involved in health initiatives.
- Children and Vulnerable Groups: Highlighted due to statistics on pediatric cancer cases.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it requires only a House majority vote and does not need Senate approval or presidential signature, making it a low-threshold way to signal policy priorities without legal force.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's role in promoting general welfare (under Article I, Section 8) through awareness and health initiatives, but raises no constitutional challenges.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support for public health (introduced by Rep. Dingell and Rep. James) and reinforces national priorities like the Cancer Moonshot. It could politically mobilize resources for cancer research without committing funds, serving as a platform for future legislative advocacy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-04: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2026-02-04: Submitted in House
- 2026-02-04: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of February 4, 2026, as "National Cancer Prevention Day". — issued 2026-02-04 — PDF (2 pages)